Murray overcomes Nishikori to improve to 2-0 in ATP Finals

The Scot’s ascent to No 1 in the world rankings – and his fight with Novak Djokovic to be top dog at the end of 2016 – have captured the public’s imagination. Andy’s a tough player.

‘For the tournament, for everyone interested in tennis, that would probably be the flawless way to finish the year, ‘ he said.

Kontinen and Peers are already assured of a semi-final place, having won both their matches in straight sets.

Nishikori took down a poor Stan Wawrinka, while Murray defeated an errant Marin Cilic, who hit 30 unforced errors in two quick sets.

That probably means he’ll be running around like the proverbial spring chicken on Wednesday and the most likely outcome is 2-0 to the Scot, but I’m not sure that he’s got enough in his legs to risk a straight sets bet at this stage of the season.

“I feel OK right now, but it’s the following day when you feel stiff and sore”. After two hours and 20 minutes, it went to a decider.

But, to his credit, Djokovic handled everything a fired-up Raonic threw at him to ensure he remains on course to win the Tour Finals for a fifth successive year and record-equalling sixth time in total. Yet none of it was easy.

Murray had won seven of his nine meetings with Nishikori, but the world No 5 enjoyed an impressive triumph in their last encounter in the US Open quarter-finals and he made the Scot sweat again. Today I couldn’t be feeling great and couldn’t practise, so I just decide that I couldn’t play tomorrow. For me it was frustrating.

“I think the level was really high…”

A dumbfounded Nishikori then saved two set points – at 6-7 and 8-9 – the second when he needed two smashes to get the ball past a clambering Murray.

Eventually the Brit finally served out at the second time of asking, clinching the match when a exhausted Nishikori fired long to end the longest three-set match in the history of this tournament.

‘Kei was dictating a lot of the points and had his chances.

TV Channel: In Singapore, Star Hub will provide the live coverage for ATP World Tour Finals.

‘It could come down to me and Novak, ‘ he said after beating Nishikori.

“I could have won it, I gave myself the chances”, Raonic, who won 83 points to Djokovic’s 85, said.

Murray dug in at the start of the second set, breaking Nishikori in the opening game and went on to open up a 4-2 lead. I had some good defence, some long rallies. “A lot of people come up and ask me about that still”. I think the 2-1 game in the third set was very important.

And with no Davis Cup final to extend his season, Murray will feed off his fans to make one last push. I know that the rules are strict.

“It’s nothing to do with me trying to get to number one or not”.

“I’m going to try to play my best tennis, to beat the world number one”. There will be a long line of live in play betting markets for bettors seeking the most interactive online gambling experience possible.

With both players looking extremely tired, the one-set shootout continued, Murray looking marginally more sprightly and rewarded with a break before the first change of ends. It’s going to be interesting. “To not be able to finish it, I attempted to play in two matches“.